Etling was the No. 1 quarterback after spring practice and didn't do anything to lose the job during training camp. Austin Appleby was given every chance to move past Etling, but coach Darrell Hazell opted for the Terre Haute native. Hazell even delayed his announcement by one week, based on Appleby's play.

The offensive production was a disaster on so many fronts in 2013. It ranked last among Big Ten teams in nearly every statistical category. No running game. The passing attack was a series of screens. The offense needed to expand and threaten defenses.

Regardless of who's playing, the quarterback won't be the sole reason for a significant jump. But he can't hold the offense back from showing progress.

"I think we're going to take a huge step," Etling said Monday, shortly after Hazell's announcement. "I think this is going be a very productive offense and we're going to continue to push ourselves to be productive."

Last year Etling was thrust into the starting role as a rosy-cheek freshman. It was a whirlwind.

He was summoned at halftime against Northern Illinois and enjoyed some success. However, Nebraska, Michigan State and Ohio State welcomed him to what life in the Big Ten is all about.

He suffered physical punishment in terms of sacks. He picked himself off the turf numerous times, pulling chunks of sod out of his face mask. But his emotions never wavered.

"He never gets too high, never gets too low," receiver B.J. Knauf said. "Last year, he took some major shots, and he never got down on himself or down on anybody. Very level-headed and stays consistent with his passes. That's what I like about him — he's never off the charts."

The game moved too fast in those early snaps. It didn't settle down until the final three games. Lessons were learned. Etling now has seven games as a starter to fall back on.

"It prepares you a lot," said Etling, who threw for 1,690 yards, 10 touchdowns and seven interceptions. "First, to get rid of the ball. Second, to know what to expect and get your body right for the season."

He's more prepared after an offseason of weight training and better nutrition. The baby fat is disappearing, replaced by muscle. The rosy cheeks, though, remain.

"Dan's body of work from the spring and through training camp has been pretty strong," offensive coordinator John Shoop said.

Etling has more than a year of experience in Shoop's system and is working with the same receivers as a year ago. Raheem Mostert — dubbed the fastest man in the Big Ten — is poised to have a big season. Akeem Hunt has an expanded role. That can only help a quarterback's efficiency.

Until the last game against Indiana, production was minimal. The Boilermakers averaged 14.9 points and less than 300 yards a game in 2013.

Those are unacceptable numbers in 2014.

Winning the job in this manner brought more satisfaction to Etling. He's not picking up the pieces after a bad performance by someone else. From spring practice, summer workouts and throughout camp, Etling proved his worth.

"It's nice to win a job in a sense that you go out there and show your teammates in practice that I can do the job you want me to do," he said.